CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS AFFECTING THE SHIPMENT AT PRINCIPAL PORT OF APARRI AND SAN FERNANDO: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Shipments are the backbone of the world economy. The Philippine economy has shown resilience and growth despite global economic uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Key drivers of this growth include the robust services sector, a burgeoning outsourcing industry, increased domestic consumption, and strategic trade facilitations. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) plays a crucial role in shaping the Philippines' economy by overseeing importation and exportation of goods. Thus, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) plays a pivotal role in the facilitation of international trade, specifically in the regulation of imported and exported shipments. Factors affecting port performance include domestic logistics and regulatory constraints, infrastructure, facilities, and port selection. To address these issues and facilitate efficient trade facilitation, the establishment of the Port of San Fernando, along with its subport, Port of Currimao, was authorized by Executive Order No. 134 s.1968. Additionally, Executive Order No. 707 s.2008 designated the Port of Aparri as a customs principal port of entry. However, there are numerous factors that affect the performance of the ports. Thus, the purpose of this research was to explore and compare the contributory factors affecting the shipments at the Bureau of Customs’ Principal Port of San Fernando and Subport of Baguio and the Principal Port of Aparri and Subport of Currimao. The researcher conducted a quantitative study with a descriptive-comparative research design, using two mediums: survey questionnaires given online (via Google form) and in person to employees of the two major ports and their respective subports. The findings of the study indicate that the perceived factors of the research team have a significant impact on the shipments at the Principal and Sub-Port of San Fernando and Aparri. Furthermore, the study found that respondents’ assessments of the contributory factors affecting shipments at both the Port of Aparri and the Port of San Fernando were consistent, indicating that both groups shared an agreement. However, during the test of differences in the assessment of port of San Fernando respondents regarding the contributing factors affecting shipments based on their profile, it was discovered that educational attainment, particularly at the doctoral level, has a significant impact on perceptions of security and safety in port operations and shipments. The study recommends that the Port of San Fernando and Aparri should consider addressing the factor on facilities and prioritize addressing the issues related to location, infrastructure, security/safety, and service. The study also recommends that the Port of San Fernando and Aparri should prioritize the implementation of advertising the port as the highest ranked recommendation during the survey, which can increase the port’s visibility and improve its performance.